Wacom has been honored with the Ub Iwerks Award at the 53rd Annie Awards, recognizing its longstanding contribution to the animation industry through digital pen and ink technologies and its enduring role within the global animation community.
For decades, Wacom devices have been a constant presence behind the scenes across a variety of industries. From early sketches and storyboards to final animation and compositing, Wacom’s digital pen and tablet technology have helped artists bring the expressiveness of hand-drawn work into modern digital workflows. Along the way, those tools have become a standard part of animation production environments around the world.
Wacom works closely with creators, studios, educators, and partners everywhere, learning from them and evolving together as the art of animation itself has evolved. It is that level of continued commitment and collaboration within the creative community that has put us where we are today.
Presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the Ub Iwerks Award celebrates technical advancements that have had a significant and lasting impact on the art and industry of animation. The award recognizes innovations that have helped shape animation production practices and expand creative possibilities over time. Named after animation pioneer Ub Iwerks—whose groundbreaking work helped shape some of the mediums earliest iconic characters—the award honors those who continue to push the medium forward.
“When Wacom was first suggested to the ASIFA-Hollywood Board of Directors, many of us were genuinely surprised, having assumed the company had already received this honor. It quickly became clear, however, that this was exactly the right moment to recognize their contributions,” said Aubry Mintz, Executive Director of ASIFA-Hollywood.
“Wacom has become an industry standard in professional digital pen and tablet technology, to the point where it is nearly impossible to find a studio or production that does not rely on their tools in some capacity.”
Beyond its technology, Wacom has also been recognized for its long-standing support of the creative community through educational initiatives and ongoing industry collaboration. This recognition belongs to the entire creative ecosystem that has trusted, supported, and continuously challenged us over the years.
Special Giveaway: The Wacom Animator Pro Kit!
In honor of this moment, we at Wacom want to do something that we rarely do – we’ve brought together some of our favorite partners and collaborators and will be giving away an “Animator Pro Kit!”
The Animator Pro Kit includes the essentials to get you started on your animation and digital art journey. One winner will be chosen (available to US residents only) and will take home:
- Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 creative pen display with stand
- 1-year license to Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro
- 3-year license to Clip Studio Paint EX
- TourBox Elite Plus creative console
How can you enter to win this amazing set of professional level hardware, software, and creative accessories?
- Open to residents of the United States over the age of 18
- Fill out the entry form between February 15 – 23rd, 2026
- A winner will be randomly selected: February 27th, 2026
- Winner will notified by email!
Click here to fill out the entry form. Don’t want to miss any future giveaways of this kind? Make sure you’re signed up for our Creative eNewsletter and are following us on Instagram and other social media platforms.
Thank you for celebrating with us. Please click here to read the official Contest Terms and Conditions.
